The park was originally designed by the renowned landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson in 1902.
The River Dour, which flows through the gardens, is a rare chalk stream habitat supporting native brown trout.
The park includes a restored 'wild garden' area that maintains the Edwardian aesthetic of controlled naturalism.
It is linked to Kearsney Abbey via the River Dour path, forming a continuous historical parkland corridor.
The site hosts a diverse range of veteran trees, including specimens that predate the 20th-century landscaping.
Extensive restoration works completed in 2020 utilized historical blueprints to reconstruct the original stone-walled terracing.
Russell Gardens is a restored Grade II listed Edwardian park located in the Dour Valley, historically forming part of the Kearsney Abbey estate. The landscape features a formal layout centered around a large ornamental lake and the River Dour. Recent Heritage Lottery Fund projects have restored the original 1902 design, including the reinstatement of decorative bridges and the re-opening of historic views. The site is a key component of the Kearsney Parks network, which encompasses nearby Kearsney Abbey. Native woodland, managed meadows, and extensive water features characterize the biodiversity of the park. It functions as a public green space managed by Dover District Council with a focus on conservation and local history.
The central bridge spanning the ornamental lake, offering a panoramic view of the terraced gardens.
Bring binoculars to spot kingfishers and grey herons along the riverbanks.
Wear waterproof footwear if visiting during the wetter months as the meadow areas can become soft.
Combine your walk with the adjacent Kearsney Abbey park to see both distinct styles of historical garden design.
Feeding the waterfowl, as this disrupts the ecological balance of the chalk stream.
Keep dogs on leads in sensitive wildlife zones; follow 'leave no trace' principles regarding the river ecosystem.
